> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docsdrop.erikraft.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting Started

> Quick start guide for setting up and using ErikrafT Drop for file sharing.

# Getting Started with ErikrafT Drop

ErikrafT Drop requires minimal setup and works immediately on most modern browsers. Follow this guide to start sharing files between devices.

## Quick Start

### 1. Open ErikrafT Drop

Navigate to [https://drop.erikraft.com/](https://drop.erikraft.com/) in your web browser on all devices you want to connect.

### 2. Discover Devices

* **Local Network**: Devices on the same network automatically appear after a few seconds
* **Paired Devices**: Previously paired devices appear automatically if they're online
* **Manual Pairing**: Use QR codes or 6-digit keys to connect devices on different networks

### 3. Share Files

* **Drag & Drop**: Drag files onto the browser window
* **Click to Select**: Click the main area to open file selector
* **Share Menu**: Use the browser's share menu (on mobile devices)

## System Requirements

### Browser Support

ErikrafT Drop works with all modern browsers that support WebRTC:

| Browser | Minimum Version | WebRTC Support | Notes            |
| ------- | --------------- | -------------- | ---------------- |
| Chrome  | 23+             | Full           | Recommended      |
| Firefox | 22+             | Full           | Good alternative |
| Safari  | 11+             | Full           | iOS and macOS    |
| Edge    | 79+             | Full           | Chromium-based   |

### Network Requirements

* **Local Network**: Automatic discovery works on any local network
* **Internet Connection**: Required for initial signaling server connection
* **No Special Configuration**: Works with most home and office networks

### Device Requirements

* **Memory**: Sufficient RAM for file transfers (recommended 4GB+ for large files)
* **Storage**: Available disk space for received files
* **Browser**: Modern browser with JavaScript enabled

## Installation Options

### Web Application (Recommended)

No installation required - simply use the web application directly.

### Progressive Web App (PWA)

Install as a native application:

1. **Chrome/Edge**: Click the install icon in the address bar
2. **Firefox**: Use the "Install Site" option in the menu
3. **Safari**: Tap "Share" → "Add to Home Screen"

### Command Line Interface

For power users, the CLI tool enables file sharing from the terminal:

```bash theme={null}
# Install (Linux/Mac)
wget https://github.com/erikraft/Drop/releases/download/v1.12.4/erikraftdrop-cli.zip
unzip erikraftdrop-cli.zip
sudo chmod +x erikraftdrop
sudo ln -s erikraftdrop /usr/local/bin/erikraftdrop

# Usage
erikraftdrop file1.txt file2.jpg
erikraftdrop -t "Hello world"
```

## Ecosystem Components

ErikrafT Drop provides a comprehensive ecosystem of applications and integrations across multiple platforms:

### Discord Bot Integration

The official Discord bot enables seamless file sharing directly within Discord servers and direct messages.

**Key Features:**

* **Slash Commands**: Use `/drop` command with 6-digit pairing keys
* **File Transfer**: Send up to 3 files simultaneously (max 25MB each per Discord limits)
* **Text Messages**: Send text messages up to 1800 characters inline, larger as attachments
* **Bidirectional Transfer**: Both send and receive files through Discord
* **Real-time Progress**: Live transfer progress updates with emoji indicators
* **Error Handling**: Comprehensive error reporting and retry mechanisms

**Technical Implementation:**

* Built with Discord.js v14 using modern slash command architecture
* WebRTC integration for peer-to-peer connections
* Automatic file downloading and re-uploading through Discord's API
* Environment-based configuration for deployment flexibility
* Portuguese language support with localized error messages

**Usage Example:**

```
/drop key:123456 name:"MyDevice" message:"Hello world!"
/drop key:123456 file1:@image.png
```

### Browser Extensions

Native browser extensions provide enhanced integration and quick access to ErikrafT Drop functionality.

**Supported Browsers:**

* **Chrome**: Manifest V3 extension with popup interface
* **Firefox**: WebExtension with enhanced privacy features
* **Edge**: Chromium-based extension with Microsoft Store integration
* **Opera**: Opera extension with sidebar support

**Extension Features:**

* **Quick Launch**: One-click access to ErikrafT Drop
* **Context Menu**: Right-click files to share directly
* **Popup Interface**: Compact UI for rapid file sharing
* **Icon Integration**: Native browser toolbar integration
* **No Special Permissions**: Minimal permission requirements for privacy

**Technical Details:**

* Manifest V3 compliance for modern browser security
* Host permissions limited to [https://drop.erikraft.com/](https://drop.erikraft.com/)
* No background scripts or persistent storage
* Lightweight design with minimal resource usage

### iOS Shortcut Integration

Apple Shortcuts integration brings ErikrafT Drop functionality to iOS devices with native system integration.

**Shortcut Features:**

* **Native iOS Integration**: Works with iOS Shortcuts app
* **System-wide Access**: Launch from anywhere using Siri or Shortcuts
* **File Sharing**: Share files from other apps directly to ErikrafT Drop
* **URL Scheme Support**: Deep linking for seamless app switching
* **Background Processing**: Works in background for enhanced user experience

**Implementation Details:**

* Uses iOS Shortcuts framework for native integration
* Leverages WebKit for embedded browser functionality
* Supports file picker integration with iOS file system
* Optimized for both iPhone and iPad layouts

### Web Application

The core web application provides the full ErikrafT Drop experience with modern web technologies.

**Web Features:**

* **Progressive Web App**: Installable as native application
* **Responsive Design**: Optimized for all screen sizes and devices
* **Offline Support**: Core functionality available without internet
* **Real-time Updates**: Live connection status and transfer progress
* **Multi-language Support**: Internationalization with JSON language files

**Technical Stack:**

* **Frontend**: Vanilla JavaScript with modern ES6+ features
* **Styling**: Custom CSS with OpenSans and custom icon fonts
* **WebRTC**: Peer-to-peer file transfer technology
* **Service Workers**: PWA functionality and offline support
* **IndexedDB**: Local storage for device pairing and preferences

**Web Application Architecture:**

* **Single Page Application**: Dynamic content loading without page refreshes
* **Component-based Design**: Modular JavaScript architecture
* **Event-driven Communication**: Real-time updates using WebRTC and WebSocket
* **Security**: Content Security Policy and HTTPS enforcement
* **Performance**: Lazy loading and resource optimization

### Android Native Application

The official Android app provides native integration with the Android operating system and enhanced features.

**App Features:**

* **Native Android UI**: Material Design 3 with system integration
* **Background Service**: Continuous operation even when app is closed
* **File System Integration**: Full access to Android storage and media
* **Notification Support**: Transfer status and completion notifications
* **Multi-device Support**: Phone, tablet, TV, and XR variants

**Technical Specifications:**

* **Package**: `com.erikraft.drop`
* **Minimum SDK**: Android 5.0 (API 21)
* **Target SDK**: Android 15 (API 35)
* **Version**: 9.0.4 (Version Code 13)
* **Build System**: Gradle with Android plugin

**Android Architecture:**

* **ViewBinding**: Modern UI binding approach
* **Lifecycle Components**: Android Architecture Components integration
* **WebView Integration**: Embedded browser for core functionality
* **Storage Framework**: Android Storage Access Framework integration
* **Material Design**: Google Material Design 3 components

**Advanced Features:**

* **Multi-window Support**: Split-screen and picture-in-picture modes
* **Accessibility**: Full accessibility support with screen readers
* **Dark Mode**: System theme integration
* **Auto-start**: Optional automatic startup on device boot
* **Network Awareness**: Automatic network change detection

**Development and Distribution:**

* **Google Play Store**: Official distribution channel
* **Open Source**: Full source code available on GitHub
* **Automated Builds**: CI/CD pipeline for automated testing and deployment
* **Multi-language**: Crowdin-based translation management
* **Privacy-focused**: No tracking or analytics integration

## First Time Setup

### Network Discovery

1. **Connect Multiple Devices**: Open ErikrafT Drop on at least two devices
2. **Same Network**: Ensure devices are on the same WiFi/network
3. **Wait for Discovery**: Devices should appear within 10-30 seconds
4. **Test Transfer**: Send a small test file to verify connectivity

### Device Pairing (Optional)

For persistent connections across networks:

1. **Initiate Pairing**: Click "Pair Device" on one device
2. **Scan QR Code**: Use the camera to scan the QR code on the second device
3. **Or Enter Key**: Manually enter the 6-digit pairing key
4. **Confirm Connection**: Both devices should show as paired

### Browser Permissions

ErikrafT Drop may request:

* **Camera Access**: For QR code scanning (optional)
* **File Access**: For reading files to share
* **Storage Access**: For saving received files
* **Notifications**: For transfer status updates (optional)

## Troubleshooting Common Issues

### Devices Not Discovering Each Other

**Check Network Connection:**

* Ensure both devices are on the same network
* Verify internet connectivity is active
* Try refreshing both browser windows

**Browser Issues:**

* Update to the latest browser version
* Clear browser cache and cookies
* Disable VPN or proxy services
* Try a different browser

**Network Configuration:**

* Check firewall settings
* Verify router doesn't block peer-to-peer connections
* Try switching between WiFi and cellular data

### Transfer Failures

**Large Files:**

* iOS devices have 200MB memory limits per transfer
* Break large files into smaller chunks
* Ensure sufficient available RAM

**Connection Drops:**

* WebRTC connections may drop on unstable networks
* Files can be resumed if transfer is interrupted
* Consider using WiFi for more stable connections

### Performance Optimization

**For Best Performance:**

* Use modern browsers (Chrome/Edge recommended)
* Connect via WiFi rather than cellular data
* Close unnecessary browser tabs
* Ensure sufficient available memory

**Network Tips:**

* 5GHz WiFi provides better performance than 2.4GHz
* Ethernet connections are most stable
* Avoid network congestion during large transfers

## Next Steps

Once you have ErikrafT Drop working:

* **Explore Features**: Try the chat functionality and file preview
* **Set Up Pairing**: Pair frequently used devices for quick access
* **Install PWA**: Install as a native app for easier access
* **CLI Integration**: Set up command-line tools for power users

For detailed technical information, see the [Architecture](../architecture/system-overview) section.